Feds must choose between ‘collaboration or collision’ with First Nations: Atleo

OTTAWA – The head of the Assembly of First Nations says the Harper government must choose between “collaboration or collision” with aboriginal peoples over proposed energy projects.

AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo says First Nations will not back down if they feel their rights are not being respected.

He says that could mean legal action aimed at clogging up the courts or even “conflict on the ground.”

The federal government recently dispatched top bureaucrats to British Columbia to listen to First Nations concerns over proposed pipeline and energy projects.

Atleo says the upcoming throne speech will be a chance for the government to deliver on commitments made at a politically charged meeting this past January between First Nations leaders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Atleo says those include the implementation of treaties, reforming the comprehensive claims negotiation process, funding and reform of First Nations education and an inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women and girls.